As a new Shopify merchant, you’re excited about the possibilities but perhaps a bit overwhelmed by the technical aspects. Fear not! This guide will walk you through a simple, actionable marketing plan to increase visitors and customers on your Shopify store, both in the short term and long term.
Short-Term Strategies: Quick Wins for Immediate Impact
1. Leverage Social Media
Start Simple: Begin with platforms where your target audience is most active, likely Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.
Consistency is Key: Use scheduling apps like Schedviral or Hootsuite to post regularly.
Schedviral has a free plan and Hootsuite is $99 per month.
Engage Your Audience: Respond to comments and messages to build a community.
2. Email Marketing: Capture and Convert
Capture Emails: Use Shopify’s built-in tools to offer a discount in exchange for email sign-ups.
Send Regular Updates: Use Shopify’s email marketing features to notify customers about new products or sales.
3. Basic SEO for Visibility
Optimize Product Pages: Use relevant keywords in your product titles and descriptions.
Leverage Shopify’s SEO Tools: Ensure your store is optimized for search engines with minimal tech effort.
Long-Term Strategies: Building for Sustainable Growth
1. Community Building
Create a Facebook Group: Foster a sense of belonging among your customers.
Engage Regularly: Share updates, offer exclusive deals, and encourage member interaction.
2. Content Marketing: Tell Your Story
Start a Blog: Share insights, tips, and stories related to your products.
Use Visual Content: Create videos or infographics using simple tools like Canva.
3. Expand Product Offerings
Listen to Feedback: Use customer reviews and suggestions to guide new product additions.
Diversify Slowly: Expand your product line based on demand and feasibility.
Tools and Resources for Non-Tech Savvy Merchants
Shopify Apps: Explore apps like Grammarly for content, or Mailchimp for email marketing.
Visual Creation: Use Canva for designing images and graphics without needing design skills.
Monitoring and Adapting
Basic Analytics: Use Google Analytics or Shopify’s built-in analytics to track visitor behavior.
Customer Feedback: Encourage reviews and testimonials to build trust and improve your offerings.
Differentiate and Budget Wisely
Unique Selling Proposition: Focus on what sets your store apart—whether it’s unique products or exceptional customer service.
Paid Ads Budgeting: Start small with Facebook or Google Ads, and scale based on results.
Conclusion: Embrace the Journey
Building an online business is a journey filled with learning and adaptation. Stay positive, be consistent, it’s really important to stick to your goals and keep learning about the ever-evolving world of online marketing. With these strategies, you’re well on your way to growing your Shopify store and achieving long-term success.
Remember, every small step counts, and with time and effort, your online store can thrive. Happy selling!